More than 100 individuals in Russia have been convicted under the country’s sweeping anti-LGBTQ+ “extremism” law, which criminalises virtually all forms of LGBTQ+ expression and activism.
Human Rights Watch reports that since the law took effect in January 2024, Russian courts have issued 101 convictions tied to alleged involvement in the so-called “international LGBT movement” or for displaying its symbols. The law followed a November 2023 ruling by Russia’s Supreme Court, which declared the movement an extremist organisation.
Of the 101 convictions, 98 were for administrative or lesser offences, while a handful were linked to criminal charges.
Hugh Williamson, director of Human Rights Watch’s Europe & Central Asia division, criticised the ongoing crackdown. “Russian authorities weaponise and misuse the justice system as a tool in their draconian crusade to enforce ‘traditional values’ and marginalise and censor LGBT people,” he said. “They are flagrantly violating Russians’ rights to free expression, association and non-discrimination.”
Following the Supreme Court’s ruling, LGBTQ+ advocacy groups Coming Out and Sphere saw a significant rise in pleas for help, including requests for emergency evacuation, asylum, and humanitarian visas.
Williamson urged Russia’s international partners to press the Kremlin to end the persecution of LGBTQ+ people and their allies. He also called on foreign governments to offer protection to those fleeing potential prosecution based on their identity or advocacy work.
Meanwhile, Latvia-based independent media outlet Meduza reports that the Russian government is compiling an electronic database of LGBTQ+ individuals. This, paired with the country’s broader anti-propaganda campaign, has led to escalating consequences: bar staff and venue owners have been jailed, over 50 club-goers detained, inclusive content on platforms like Duolingo removed, and a student expelled for sharing makeup tutorials online.
In separate incidents, a man was fined in January for joking about starting the LGBTQ+ movement, and another, accused of running a queer travel agency, was found dead in police custody the previous month.
